* Aussie on track with 0.3 pct gain in May vs USD, kiwi down 1.4 pct
* Euro dips 2 pct this month vs Aussie
* NZ 10-yr govt yields at 10-month lows
By Gyles Beckford and Cecile Lefort
SYDNEY/WELLINGTON, May 30 (Reuters) - The Australian dollar crept higher on Friday, underpinned by short-covering, while the New Zealand dollar bounced off recent lows but was still on track to show a sharp loss this month.
The Aussie
Dealers said the outlook for the economy came in better than bears had bet on, causing a short squeeze.
The currency looked on track to end the month 0.3 percent higher in the fourth consecutive monthly gain. Support was seen around $0.9210, with resistance at $0.9360.
The euro drifted lower to A$1.4600
The common currency has come under pressure on speculation the European Central Bank will take some form of action at its policy meeting of June 5 to tackle low inflation and credit growth.
Next week's local focus is the Reserve Bank of Australia's (RBA) monthly policy meeting on June 3. The central bank is widely expected to keep rates steady at a record low of 2.5 percent and special attention will be given to its statement, particularly on the tough government budget announced earlier this month.
"We believe that the RBA's policy stance remains firmly neutral," said Nomura in a note. "However, the statement may have a slightly more dovish hue, as the RBA takes note of the fiscal drag caused by the budget announcement."
Across the Tasman sea, the New Zealand dollar was off lows but still under pressure at $0.8500
A generally softer tone to local data, a cut to the forecast dairy payout for the coming season, and expectations the central bank will ease up on its planned rate tightening have all weighed on the currency.
"The kiwi remains the market underdog as some of the steam in recent domestic economic data is released," said ANZ analysts in a market note, cautioning that market participants may be going too far in expectations of a central bank rate slowdown.
The latest data release, new home building consents for April, rose 1.5 percent.
However, the kiwi, which has been a carry trade favourite because of its yield advantage, was still seen vulnerable as it remains in sight of a near three-month low of $0.8451 touched on Thursday.
Initial support was found at $0.8435, with resistance at $0.8535.
Next week sees first quarter terms of trade, which are expected to show a modest rise as dairy exports continue to shine, along with latest looks at commodity and house prices.
New Zealand government bonds
Australian government bond futures retreated from multi-month peaks, with the three-year bond contract
(Editing by Kim Coghill)
((Cecile.Lefort@thomsonreuters.com)(+61 2 9373-1234)(Reuters Messaging: cecile.lefort.thomsonreuters@reuters.net))
Keywords: MARKETS AUSTRALIA/FOREX




















